The Mirror reported the force has confirmed it is investigating fresh information linked to the former Prime Minister.

Detectives in Wiltshire, Kent, Jersey, Hampshire and London are also looking into abuse allegations linked to Sir Edward.

A TVP statement said: "Following recent media coverage in relation to historic allegations made against former Prime Minister Edward Heath, Thames Valley Police has since received information which we are investigating further.

"We are at the very early stage of our enquiries and will not be commenting further at this stage."

A complaint received by the Gloucestershire force has been passed to Operation Hydrant, a national investigation into alleged child abuse across the country.

The National Police Chiefs' Council has said a lead police force will be appointed to oversee police investigations involving Sir Edward.

Sir Edward, who was Conservative Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974, died aged 89 in 2005 at his home in Salisbury.